Drought, pest ruin crops in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The drought and pest infestation triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon damaged crops worth P57.5 million in Pampanga, a local official reported on Tuesday.

In a report, provincial agriculturist Jimmy Manliclic said the drought and brown plant hoppers (BPH) affected 814 rice and vegetable growers cultivating 1,230 hectares in the province.

The drought alone ruined P7.6 million worth of crops grown by 158 farmers in 254.8 ha in Mexico, Minalin, Apalit, Macabebe and Sta. Rita towns.

BPH infested 33 barangays in San Luis, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Candaba, San Simon, Apalit and Floridablanca, damaging P49.9 million worth of crops in 975.2 ha tended by 656 farmers.

READ: Pampanga onion farmers reel from armyworm infestation

“Drought stress also weakens crops, making them more susceptible to pest infestations,” Manliclic said in the same report.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) approved the realignment of P20 million to the El Niño response program, raising the initial budget to prepare and respond to impending disaster to P51 million, said Pineda, the PDRRMC chair. —TONETTE OREJAS INQ